Xiaomi drops software support for several devices including Redmi Note 4 and Redmi 4

Update — April 5, 2019: Xiaomi has updated the list to clarify that it is the Redmi Note 4 MediaTek version that was launched in China and the Redmi, so the Indian Snapdragon variant that is called Redmi Note 4X in China will likely get updates. The Redmi 4 that has been dropped is also the Chinese version, so the India version was launched as Redmi 4X in China will likely get updates.

At the MIUI 9 Global launch, Xiaomi highlighted the fact that even 5-year-old phones including Mi 2/2S will be supported for MIUI 9 Global Stable update but lately things are changing, probably due to too many devices launched in past couple of years.

Xiaomi recently announced that Redmi will operate as a separate brand in China, and in the past couple of years, Xiaomi has launched lots of devices under Redmi series. Now as per a post by Mi Community admin, Redmi has decided to drop MIUI Beta ROM development with immediate effects for various devices including Redmi 3S, Redmi 4 series, Redmi Note 4 and Redmi 4A. These devices will not receive MIUI Global Beta ROM updates, the devices affected by the decision are

Redmi Note 4 (MTK Version (nikel_global))

Redmi 3S / 3S Prime / 3X (3S+) (land_global)

Redmi 4 (China and other markets except India (prada_global))

Redmi 4A (rolex_global)

Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (Redmi Note 3 MTK Version (kate_global))

Redmi Pro (omega_global)

Post from Mi Community admin says,

Starting from April 4th, the Redmi team will stop providing updates to the developer ROM for Redmi series, including: Redmi 3S/3X/3SP, Redmi Note 3 SE, Redmi Pro, Redmi 4 series, Redmi Note 4 (MTK Version), Redmi 4A. The normal upgrade for other devices will not be affected for the time being. If there are any changes for other devices, we will keep users informed.

It is recommended to upgrade to the latest stable ROM if you are using the developer ROM for the above devices. For Mi Fans who have a strong desire to test new MIUI features, we will have a program in the future, allowing users to beta test the stable version before its full release. More information on this program will be available closer to date.

Redmi Note 4, Redmi 4 and Redmi 4A were released in first half of 2017 and are barely 2 years old, Xiaomi had released last Global Beta update for Redmi Note 4 in December 2018.

Xiaomi has only announced that the aforementioned devices will not receive MIUI Global Beta updates and has promised that normal updates for the devices will not be affected for the time being, but we will have to wait for few months to see if that actually happens. That said, chances for these devices to receive upcoming MIUI 11 are little, Xiaomi CEO has already confirmed that MIUI 11 will get rid of ads that affect user experience and it is also expected to bring system-wide dark mode.